Dorothy's Spy/Chapter 1
DOROTHY'S SPY
CHAPTER I
THE DECLARATION
Dorothy Dean opened her eyes a full half-hour before the sun peeped in at her window to give notice that the ninth day of July, in the year of grace 1776, had begun.
Although Dorothy was no more than ten years old, she had a very good idea of the excitement and bustle which would be apparent in the streets of New York on this particular day. Her father was a member of that association known as the Sons of Liberty, and many times had she heard him talking with Masters Sears, Lamb and Livingston about a certain Declaration of Independence which it was believed the Congress at Philadelphia would adopt.
Then, as it chanced, after the passage of the Declaration, she was walking with her mother in the vicinity of Fraunce's tavern at the very moment when the post rider from Master Penn's city dashed up amid loud huzzas of the bystanders, with a copy of the document which it was believed marked the birth of a new nation.
She had heard all who visited her parents discussing this message to his majesty, King George, and not a few openly condemned such an act on the part of the members of Congress as rank treason, which would surely be atoned for by death on the gallows. At such times as these Master Dean defended the right of the colonies to form a nation of their own, since the English government did not allow them any voice in the making of laws which applied particularly to them, and then it was that those who passed near by the residence of the silversmith in Hanover square, heard very loud, and, what some of the citizens of New York might have termed, seditious words, from those within.
Dorothy was as rank a little rebel as could be found in the colony, and even though she did not fully appreciate the importance of this Declaration which was to be made by the people to the king, her joy was great when the news came by post riders that the Congress had, on the Fourth day of July, decided to adopt it. She also knew by hearing her father's friends, all members of the organization known as the Sons of Liberty, planning a celebration, that at six o'clock on the evening of this day which had just dawned, the important document would be read in different parts of the city to the soldiers, and that, on the common,[1] the general of all the American forces, the gentleman from Virginia, would be present.
It was to be a great day for those who were in sympathy with the views entertained by the Sons of Liberty, and Dorothy Dean had her mother's promise that she should witness as much of the merry-making as might be possible. In addition to this, was she not to wear the new finery her mother had purchased or made, and which, at the very moment when Dorothy opened her eyes on this eventful morning, was spread out on the bed in the guest chamber, where it had been placed for the inspection of Mistress Lamb, she whose husband owned the shop on Old Slip, where he sold and repaired mathematical instruments?
By simply closing her eyes Dorothy could bring to view the new costume which was to be worn for the first time when she went to see General Washington sitting on his horse while the Declaration of Independence was being read.
There was the "frontage" or head-dress of plaited muslin in rows, stiffened with wire, and rising almost as high in the air as did her mother's head-covering. Then she had a "steinkirk," or neckcloth of silk, direct from China, which had been given her by Master Lepper, host of the Duke of Cumberland inn. The bodice was purple and gold, and the gown itself was open in front to show a black silk petticoat with silver trimming. Then came the green silk stockings, and embroidered shoes of morocco. Verily she would, after being dressed, look fit to dance before the king, if it had not so chanced that just then the colony, or certain inhabitants of it, boasted that they knew no king.
Sarah Lamb, daughter of Anthony, the maker of mathematical instruments, was to bear Dorothy company on her sight-seeing, for her mother and Mistress Dean were to visit the common together, each acting as protector to the other, since their husbands were to parade in the ranks of the Sons of Liberty.
And all this rejoicing over what his gracious majesty, King George, was pleased to term treason, was to take place with General Howe and his troops only a few miles away, for the royal army which evacuated Boston, had been encamped on Staten Island since the third day of the month. The good people of New York could plainly see the ships of war and the transports lying at anchor, and hear with more distinctness than was sometimes pleasant, the morning and evening guns. In fact, Dorothy had heard her father say that spies had been sent into the city from the king's fleet several times; but had thus far escaped detection. The Sons of Liberty, however, had now organized a certain system of patroling the streets, and it was believed that the next who ventured into the town would be taken and hanged.
"Will General Washington himself read the Declaration, father?" Dorothy asked when, her modest toilet having been made, she joined her parents in that apartment which was at the same time a sitting-room and a kitchen.
"It is not reasonable to suppose so, my child. Most likely one of his officers will attend to the reading; but you are to see the commander-in-chief of the American army, and hear those words which tell the British king that we will have no more of his misrule."
"And is his majesty no longer our king?" Dorothy asked in mild surprise.
"We do not recognize him as such, though I dare say he and his ministers will make a mighty struggle before we shall be allowed by them to set up as a free and independent nation. Tell me, Dorothy, do you realize all that the Declaration means? This is a momentous time, and I would have you understand whatsoever a child may of politics, to the end that in years to come you can tell the story to those who will receive the benefits of what is now being done, without paying such a price in blood as may be required of us who are defying the Britishers."
With that elaborate costume spread out on the snowy counterpane up-stairs, how could Dorothy understand anything save that she would make a brave show on the streets when arrayed in all her finery? Mayhap her father understood somewhat of that which was in her mind, for he concluded the subject by saying:
"When the excitement of the day is over, my child, I shall expect you to commit to memory the words adopted by those brave men who compose the Congress, and to such end I have brought home that copy of Master Gaines' Mercury newspaper wherein may be found the ringing sentiments which cannot fail of commanding the attention and respect of all right-thinking men."
Then it was that Sarah Lamb made her appearance, entering the apartment shyly, as if confused by having arrived before the family had broken fast, and straightway she and Dorothy began a whispered conversation regarding the plans for the day, or, at least, that portion of it during which the new costumes were to be worn.
The Sons of Liberty were to assemble at the inn kept by Captain Benjamin Kierstede on the new dock, during the forenoon, when there would be much talking of politics, as a matter of course; but this had little of interest to the two girls. It was also understood that the "Sons" were to march through the principal streets immediately before and after the reading of the Declaration, and then a huge bonfire was to be built on Bowling Green, near by the statue of King George III.
Mistress Dean had promised that Dorothy should be taken to witness this wondrous spectacle, providing there was not too great a throng in the streets, and Sarah Lamb had permission to accompany her friend.
With so much to excite the imagination, it is little wonder that the forenoon passed slowly to the children, and they partook of the noonday meal with unseemly haste, as if by so doing it would be possible to hasten the slowly moving hands of the clock.
Early in the afternoon a great noise was heard outside, as if from the direction of Dock street, and the children ran to the window just as a throng of people came into Hanover square at full speed, following a man who ran swiftly past the house into Wall street.
"It must be a spy from General Howe's army," Mistress Dean said half to herself, as she stood watching the eager men who were bent on running down the fugitive.
"Why has he come here?" Dorothy asked.
"To learn all he can concerning the defenses of the city, to the end that General Howe may know where he can make an attack with the greatest chance of success."
"And would he tell the British general anything about our people who are trying to be free?" Sarah asked in surprise.
"Certainly, my dear. If yonder man really be a spy, then he has come here to learn all he can to advantage the king's soldiers, and to work our undoing."
"He must be very wicked, and I hope he will be caught!" Dorothy cried decidedly.
"The poor man is doing that which he believes to be right, and if he is captured, our people will surely hang him, for such is the punishment dealt out to spies."
"Then I wish he might be almost caught," Dorothy replied after reflection. "Then, perhaps, he would be so frightened that he'd never do such a thing again."
The noise of the chase died away in the distance, and no one came that way who could give information as to whether the fugitive had been captured.
It was to Dorothy and Sarah as if no less than three full days elapsed before Mistress Dean decided that it was time to make ready for the evening, and Sarah went home with an invitation for her mother to call at Hanover square when she was prepared to set out toward the common to witness the ceremonies.
At five o'clock the two ladies and the children emerged from the house on their sight-seeing tour, with the understanding that Masters Dean and Lamb would join them at Bowling Green, after the Sons of Liberty had kindled the bonfire.
Once on the streets, which were thronged with citizens in holiday garb, the two girls decided that it was indeed a fine thing for the Congress to make a declaration of independence if it resulted in such a spectacle as had been promised, and never once did they realize that those brave men who signed it had, with due knowledge of all the dangers which threatened, "mutually pledged to each other, their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor."
Up Wall street to Broad Way the little party went, meeting many friends and acquaintances, and from some of these the two ladies learned that it was indeed a British spy who had been chased from Old Slip through Hanover square. The man had escaped capture for the time being, so it was said; but a strong guard had been set around the docks, and it was believed he must surely be taken before morning.
Arrived on the Broad Way, a halt was made to view a parade of sailors led by Captain Bevan, who had made himself famous by having command of the privateering brig Clinton when she captured the French ship La Pomme.
It was difficult for the children to realize that there were so many seamen hailing from the port of New York, all of whom, if the inscriptions on their banners could be credited, were not only willing, but eager, to do their full share toward proving that the United Colonies were "absolved from all allegiance to the British crown."
It was a brave show which these sailors made, many of whom had fought for the king against France, and even Dorothy and Sarah began to understand, although dimly, that there was very much more to this declaration of independence than parades and a bonfire on Bowling Green.
Shortly after the sailors passed, the Sons of Liberty marched up the street in the direction of the common, and the two girls were literally wild with excitement as they recognized their fathers in the line, for this seemed to be conclusive proof that they had certain rights and privileges in the celebration which could not be enjoyed by those less favored children whose parents took no active part in the proceedings.
One of the banners carried by the "Sons" attracted considerable attention, and provoked loud huzzas all along the line. On it the girls read, without being able fully to understand the meaning:
"A Tory[2] is a thing whose head is in England, its body in America, and whose neck ought to be stretched."
"Resistance to Tyrants," "All men are created equal," "George III. is unfit to be the ruler of a free people," were among the inscriptions painted on the streamers or banners carried by the marching men, and although there were many of the spectators who frowned at the sentiments displayed, never one dared to open his mouth in protest, lest he be roughly handled by those who claimed to be Whigs.[3]
Then came a procession of men and women from the markets, nearly all of whom carried some symbol or banner to show their sympathy with the spirit of revolution, and when this had passed the head of Wall street, Mistress Dean and Mistress Lamb led the children toward the common, for the hour was drawing near when the troops would be formed in a hollow square to hear read the Declaration issued by the Congress. Already could be heard the screaming of fifes and the rattle of drums telling that the soldiers were in motion, and the two girls urged their mothers forward lest they miss seeing any portion of the spectacle.
When they arrived at the common it was found that an exceeding large throng had assembled; only with difficulty could the ladies force a passage amid the many groups of men and boys which had halted on that side of Broad Way adjoining the parade ground, where were erected booths for the sale of such beverages and food as might find favor with the sight-seers.
Dorothy and Sarah would not have objected to remaining where the boys were indulging in rough sports of various kinds; but their mothers evidently believed it necessary to take positions among the ladies and gentlemen of the city, or, at least, with those who were in favor of the revolutionary movement, for there were very many people in New York on that day who believed that those who signed the Declaration had committed the grievous crime of treason.
Those who had marched in procession through the streets were massed at one end of the parade ground, the greater number remaining in line that there might be no delay in setting out for Bowling Green immediately the ceremonies were concluded; but here and there men came from the ranks to speak with friends or relatives among spectators, and one of these was Master Dean, who lifted Dorothy in his arms regardless of the possibility that her finery might be disarranged, as he asked:
"Are you seeing all the sights, my dear?"
"Yes, sir, and even more than the marching men, for one who is accused of being a British spy ran through the square this afternoon, pursued by many people."
"I heard that an officer from Howe's army had been seen in the city, and that, because of the watch which has been set, it is well-nigh impossible for him to escape."
"But this could not have been a British officer, sir, for he was dressed much like a laborer."
"Ay, that was the disguise it is said he assumed; but he so far forgot himself as to linger near Master Fraunce's tavern, and was recognized by Colonel Willett, who had seen him in Boston."
"If he should be caught, will they hang him?" Dorothy asked, her voice tremulous with the thought of such a cruel, shameful death.
"Ay, my child. In time of war those who enter an enemy's lines in disguise, can expect no other fate."
"But it is wicked to kill a man when he has done no harm," and now the tears stood in Dorothy's eyes.
"Such a man may do more injury to us than an hundred who stand up with muskets to shoot us down. You may be very certain, Dorothy dear, that the king will not be soft-hearted if he gets any of us in his clutches. War is cruel work, at the best; but we who uphold this revolution know that much good will come to those who live after us, and must stand face to face with death in order that these colonies may be free."
There was no time for further conversation regarding spies, for just then the beating of drums summoned such of the soldiers as were encamped on the common to form into line, and far down the street could be heard the shrill notes of fifes, betokening the arrival of troops from other parts of the city.
While Dorothy and Sarah were looking about them eager for the coming of the soldiers, a great shout went up from the spectators at the further end of the field, and Mistress Lamb said nervously to the girls:
"Here comes General Washington and his officers, children. Behave yourselves properly, for he may look this way!"
The gentleman from Virginia was not exactly the kind of a soldier the girls had expected to see. No fault could be found with his uniform, the horse or trappings; but the man himself had a face betokening kindness and gentleness, which was the opposite of what Dorothy and Sarah supposed necessary for a general who was fighting against the king, with the very good assurance that he would be hanged without very much ceremony, if captured.
"All those who are confined in jail for debt are to be released this evening," a gentleman who was standing near-by said to his companion, and Sarah asked why that was to be done.
"In order that the unfortunate creatures may have good reason for remembering the day when the colonists declared themselves free," Mistress Dean explained, and then the soldiers whose camps were near at hand marched forward as those from the Broad Way came on the parade ground.
With wondrous exactness the square was formed around the group of officers on horseback, and one of the general's aids began to read in a clear, ringing voice that declaration which was to arouse the world.
"When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another—"
Dorothy and Sarah could hear distinctly the words; but, pay ever so close attention as they might, it was impossible for them to understand the meaning, except as it had already been explained, that the colonists had declared themselves to be free, which was one very weighty reason why General Howe's army of royal troops were encamped on Staten Island menacing the city.
To the children there was nothing particularly thrilling in the reading; but they could better understand that it might be of great import, when the soldiers marched and countermarched before the general after the officer had completed his task. The women waved their handkerchiefs; the men cried "huzza" until they were hoarse, and the boys screamed and capered in order to contribute their share to the general excitement.
The soldiers were dismissed from parade; the officers rode slowly away in the direction of the commander's quarters at Bowling Green. The drummers and fifers hired by those who made up the procession, began to play, and the Sons of Liberty led the way toward where the bonfire was to be seen.
In the rear of the procession came the spectators, and never before had Dorothy and Sarah seen the street so thronged with people. It was difficult to walk quietly and as beseemed young ladles, so great was the press, and so mischievous were the boys, who ran here and there shouting loudly as if for no other purpose than to bewilder and irritate the staid and respectable sightseers.
The girls would have pressed forward, regardless of the discomfort of being jostled and pushed by the yet more eager ones, for they feared that much of the merry-making might have come to an end by the time they arrived, so slowly did their mothers walk; but to this the ladies made decided objections, and the children, greatly against their will, were forced to move at what seemed like a snail's pace in order that all the proprieties might be observed.
"It is not yet dark," Mistress Dean said soothingly when she saw the look of disappointment on Dorothy's face. "You may make certain that nothing will be done in regard to the bonfire until night has fully come." Then to Mistress Lamb she added, "Perhaps it would have been better had we gone directly home from the common; I am afraid the children may get hurt in the crush. What an enormous city New York is, to be sure."
"We might omit this portion of the sight-seeing," Mistress Lamb replied. "For my part I am not eager to see a bonfire, and Sarah's frock will be ruined if we get into another crowd."
"But we can't go home now," and there was a tone of deepest regret in Mistress Dean's voice. "The gentlemen are to meet us at Bowling Green after the festivities are over, and if we were not there they might spend half the night searching over the city. We must go on; but I should feel much easier in mind if the girls were safely at home; there are many rough people abroad."
"All of which is fortunate for us," Dorothy whispered to Sarah. "It may he wrong to feel glad when mother is sad; hut I have so counted on seeing the bonfire!"
- ↑ Now City Hall square.
- ↑ The name "Tory" in England, was given to a member of that political party which supported the public measures of the king and opposed the founding of a free country in North America.
- ↑ The term "Whigs" was applied to the members of the patriotic or revolutionary party during the war for independence. It was also the name given to those in England who opposed the Tory, or court party.